A list: I’m thankful for golf partners who….

  • Take the game seriously but never themselves.
  • Always recognize a good shot and if the spectacular occurs will even break out in polite applause.
  • Have the flagstick already in their hand when the last putt falls, minding the maxim, “First one in, grabs the pin.”
  • Are ready to hit when it’s their play.
  • Walk and carry/pull their clubs so you’re all experiencing ‘the journey of the game’
  • Search earnestly for your lost ball.
  • Never take more than three minutes to look for their own lost ball and invariably say, “Thanks, guys, but go ahead and hit your shots.”
  • At the turn ask, “May I get you anything?”
  • Pick up your club or towel left on the green while you’re putting out
  • Utter a brief “thanks” after you say “good shot!”
  • Kindly remind you to re-mark your coin in the proper spot if it had been moved over to avoid their line.
  • Invoke the “mercy rule” and not have you suffer a four-putt for a triple bogey.
  • Welcome into the group a single waiting on the first tee.
  • Will fix your ball mark without hesitation.
  • Not only won’t complain about another bad break or bounce but can even laugh about it.
  • Have the good sense not to ask, “What did you have on that hole?” while you’re still digesting an embarrassing ‘circus train wreck.’
  • Go out of their way to grab a rake while you’re hopelessly plugged in the bunker.
  • Ask friendly questions of their playing companions during the course of the round because the social fabric of the game is woven in the interrogative not the declarative tense.
  • Always buy a round when they’re the big winner of the day.
  • Buy a second round in spite of being the big losers of the day.
  • Ask at the 19th hole, “Hey, what time are we playing next week and can I pick you up?”

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